Some Public Health analysts are advocating for a review of the Covid-19 safety protocols, as the country’s active cases continue to rise. According to them, the re-introduction of the safety protocols is very critical in combating the persisting disease. Already, two new strains of the Omicron variant have been detected by Scientists sequencing Sars-Cov-2 in Ghana.
As Covid-19 active cases soar, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is worried that efforts to clamp down on the disease will be zilch, as a section of Ghanaians are unwilling to vaccinate. The Chronicle is equally worried at reports that Covid-19 cases have risen over the last two weeks in the country.
Latest health data shows about 300 cases – meaning that the virus is not totally out of the system. We are learning that we have flu (H3N2) going around, with a number of people coughing and sneezing, with test results coming out as either H3N2 or Covid-19.
The Chronicle would like to stress that all signs point to the fact that the virus still persists, thus the citizenry should not let down their guard. We are also alarmed that less than 10% of Ghanaians have been vaccinated so far, an indication that the country could experience another wave of the virus.
The Chronicle would, therefore, urge stakeholders to put in place drastic measures to intensify the campaign to get more people vaccinated in the coming days. To us, at The Chronicle, the virus may stay longer with us, for which reason we call on health experts to integrate it into our healthcare and push for more vaccinations. We believe that if more people get vaccinated, we can at least control the spread of the virus.
Reports indicate that some of the new cases were recorded in schools, whilst others were traced to parties and indoor events, we would, therefore, appeal to the general public to be extra careful and protect themselves during social events. School authorities should also enhance the protocols to safeguard our students on the various campuses.
A Research Fellow at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Dr. Yaw Bediako, has suggested the need for boosters to be given within a 6-month interval to ensure potency against the virus. This has become necessary because the protection from previous exposure to the Omicron BA1 and BA2 does not adequately protect these variants.
The call by Dr. Bediako, followed concerns raised by Scientists over the detection of Omicron variants in the country, and it is against this background that The Chronicle is counting on health authorities to fashion out a multifaceted approach in dealing with the rising cases of the virus.
We would appeal to the general public to make themselves available for vaccinations to control the spread of the virus. Let’s remind ourselves that a healthy people would ensure a wealthy nation.
